The BOSS Network Blog

Dr. Zamora Crawford Olin is the CEO of Crawford Olin, LLC, and Founder of the GovCon Growth Lab. An expert in federal acquisitions and small business development, she helps entrepreneurs navigate and succeed in government contracting. Learn more at crawfordolin.com and connect with the GovCon Growth Lab community. When people think of powerhouse customers, they often imagine Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. But the U.S. federal government stands as the largest and most reliable customer in the world. If you're a woman-owned small business (WOSB), the doors to federal contracting are wide open. But getting through those doors and building a lasting presence requires knowledge, strategy, and a good measure of patience. In this article, we’ll walk through what government contracting is, the barriers women-owned businesses often face, and the strategies that can help you not just enter but thrive in this competitive marketplace. Understanding the World of Government Contr...

ShaRhae Carlock —a business and AI consultant from Kansas City, MO. I help brands and  organizations grow with purpose by blending smart strategy, innovation, and a whole lot of heart. Let’s connect on IG @sharhaestarrc or LinkedIn! As Black women, we wear so many hats—CEO, visionary, mother, sister, mentor, creative, strategist… and that’s just Monday. We know what it means to show up and make things happen. But in this new era of business, showing up smarter is the real power move. That’s where AI (artificial intelligence) comes in. You don’t need to be a tech expert. You don’t need to code. What you do need is the mindset that says: I deserve tools that make my life easier and my business better. Let’s talk about how AI can help you do just that. AI is not replacing our magic—it’s enhancing it. From automating emails to personalizing customer experiences, AI gives us the ability to work smarter, not harder. Here are just a few ways it can help elevate your hustle: • Content Crea...

Dr. Nadine C. Duncan is a visionary travel curator, educator, and Traveling Black Women Network founder . Dedicated to redefining what it means to travel as a Black woman, she creates spaces for connection, culture, and community. Her work empowers women to explore the world confidently and unapologetically. 1. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? In the beginning, one of the biggest obstacles I faced was representation—or rather, the lack of it. I didn’t see many Black women who looked like me in travel media or at the decision-making tables in the travel industry. That lack of visibility created doubt: Would anyone see the value in what I wanted to create? Would anyone follow? I also struggled with access to resources, funding, and mentors who could guide me specifically through the niche of cultural travel entrepreneurship. But I pushed forward, knowing that if I felt unseen, other women did too. 2. What inspired you ...

Chari N. Herron is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Supervisor in the State of Alabama. She is the owner of Divine Restoration Counseling and Consultation, a private counseling practice where she offers counseling and biblical guidance to empower, edify, and encourage healing to clients. 1. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? I had no experience in launching a business and found it difficult navigating administrative tasks with my clinical tasks. I also had to learn and understand how to effectively run and maintain a successful business by gaining knowledge in several areas like operations and marketing. I knew how to counsel people. Running a business was well out of my wheelhouse. 2. What inspired you to break into your industry? There is a lack of cultural representation of clinicians in the field of counseling. Also, because of the stigma of mental illness and the importance of the church in minor...

Shavonne Reed is an acclaimed speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and marketing executive. As founder and CEO of OPUA, a health and wellness company, she focuses on chronic disease prevention. A trained journalist and host of the Future Health NOW podcast, she’s passionate about promoting healthier lifestyles and generational health. Let’s be real—entrepreneurship is a full-contact sport. You’re juggling meetings, clients, emails, employees, finances, and about a hundred other things before lunchtime. The grind is real, and the last thing you feel like doing is squeezing in a workout or making a green smoothie when coffee and adrenaline seem to be holding you together. But here’s the deal—your business is only as strong as you are, and if you burn out, everything goes down with you. Prioritizing your health is not a luxury; it’s a power move. Why Self-Care is a Business Strategy Think about it—would you run your business on outdated software, broken tools, and zero maintenance? No wa...

Dr. Bisa Batten Lewis is the heart and mind behind #ThePAIDeducator Movement. A  beacon of expertise in professional competence and educator development, she is a  best-selling author, renowned public speaker, philanthropist, and successful serial  entrepreneur. With a rich educational background, Dr. Bisa is a well-rounded visionary,  motivator, and BOSS! The start of a new year offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to set the tone for success. For Black women entrepreneurs, this is a time to prioritize goals, build resilience, and cultivate strategies that align with personal and professional growth. Consider this guidance for kicking off the year and Quarter 2 with intentionality and impact. 1. Set Clear, Purpose-Driven Goals ★ Focus on the "Why": Ensure your goals align with your core values and business mission. Purpose-driven goals inspire consistency and resilience. ★ Break It Down: Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant...